Autor: William Aldis Wright

Edward Fitz Gerald, born on March 31, 1809 in Suffolk, England, is best known for his poetic translation of „Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám.” Fitz Gerald was an accomplished scholar who attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he fostered an appreciation for literature and forged friendships with future luminaries such as William Makepeace Thackeray and Alfred Tennyson. Although Fitz Gerald published several works, his translation of the „Rubáiyát, ” which first appeared anonymously in 1859, solidified his place in literary history. His adeptness at capturing the Persian poet Omar Khayyám”s philosophical musings in a series of quatrains garnered critical acclaim and has endured in popularity. Additionally, the „Letters of Edward Fitz Gerald to Fanny Kemble (1871-1883)” reveals an intimate side of Fitz Gerald, showcasing his eloquent correspondence with the notable British actress and writer Fanny Kemble. Fitz Gerald”s letters are valued for their insights into his personal life and the literary culture of the Victorian era. While he is not as prolific as other authors of his time, Fitz Gerald”s literary style is marked by a contemplative and introspective nature, conveying a sense of melancholic beauty through his translations and prose. Edward Fitz Gerald”s contributions to literature remain significant, earning him a distinctive place among 19th-century poets and translators. He passed away on June 14, 1883, in Merton, Norfolk, leaving behind a legacy cherished by lovers of poetry and classical literature.